are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature. These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com.
DAWN duncan
Dawn Duncan is a UND graduate who spent 26 years in Colorado before returning to her home state of Minnesota. Today, she resides in Detroit Lakes, where she runs a creativity company, specializing in offering classes/courses and retreats centered around art, writing, nature, and wellness. She is also a published children's book author. Outside of her work as managing editor and running her company, she teaches fitness classes and can usually be found in the gym, yoga studio, outdoors, spending time with her German Shepherd (Reva), or traveling.
ALICIA underlee nelson
Alicia is the creator of prairiestylefile.com, a website that explores the arts, culture, shopping, events and fashion of Fargo-Moorhead and the upper Midwest. She frequently travels across the region in search of what's beautiful and what's next.
DEVIN joubert
Devin Joubert (pronounced "yo-bear") is a freelance writer and also a fiction author of all things romantic comedy, humor, and true love. Stories have always been at the center of her heart, believing they change lives. She lives in North Dakota with her husband and mini zoo, where the prairies and forests collide. When she isn’t writing or wrangling her pets, she loves going on road tripping adventures with her husband. You can find out more about her at lifewritingwanderlust.com
STEPHANIE disse
Stephanie Disse is a Certified Yoga Teacher and the owner of Time to Fly Healthy Living. Her passion for fitness and nutrition fuels her coaching business, helping clients to develop and sustain healthy lifestyle habits. She is a native of Detroit Lakes, MN and a married mother of two, grandmother of three, and consummate adventurer! You’ll find Stephanie cooking up new recipes in her DL kitchen, traveling around the country, enjoying live music shows, experiencing the outdoors, and spending time as a student and teacher of yoga.
BETH pridday
Beth Pridday is a business growth consultant, entrepreneur + dog mom. With more than 25 years of consulting experience, she’s passionate about female entrepreneurs, giving back to her community and being the change she wants to see. She lives in Detroit lakes MN with her husband and two rescue dogs.
AAs summer winds down (gasp), our focus turns to back to school, last outings with family, and gradually settling into fall. Summer flies by in this part of the world, making it critical to spend each day making memories and every minute count.
The people and businesses in this issue know the importance of balance and finding joy in family, friends, and community, along with thriving in high-profile, demanding careers. Balance is elusive at best to many people, but entrepreneurs, moms, philanthropists, and countless other women in the FM area are finding it through intentional living. Choosing to put their families as top priority while continuing to fuel their businesses is a delicate juggling act that doesn’t happen overnight, so reading their stories and taking away juicy bits of advice is something we can all learn from.
Along with human family, there is the reality of pet family as well. Don’t miss our feature of Fetcher’s, a vibrant pet daycare/grooming/boarding facility in Fargo where our best friends spend the day yapping, napping, and playing under the care of dedicated staff who far exceed the idea of “must love dogs!” We’ll show you a popular family attraction, the Puzzled Escape Room, and showcase area women who are making their mark in their industries. People like Katie Kern (Katie Kern Interior Design), Dr. Stefanie Gefroh (Essentia), and Sarah Herlihy Andersen (Nodak American Family Insurance) are running their respective enterprises while being wives, mothers, and committed community members.
At the heart of it all: family. They are the people who see us through growth, setbacks, and victories. Perhaps yours is a family you have put together, one comprised of friends who feel as though they are your blood relatives. These relationships may not share DNA, but nonetheless offer the support and encouragement needed to weather life’s biggest storms and toast to its epic bright spots!
Enjoy this issue, the last bits of summer, and look forward to those first glimpses of autumn, which will come soon enough. [ aw ]
Best,
Dawn Duncan Managing Editor
SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
8 oz Burrata cheese
4 peaches, rinsed
1 C blackberries
Olive oil
Honey
Balsamic vinegar (for reduction)
4 C arugula
1/4 C pine nuts, toasted (use greased sheet pan and toast 15 minutes at 350F)
1/4 cup olive oil
Black pepper (to taste)
make it
aw ] for lunch
burrata T grilled peach and blackberry salad
This beautiful, vibrant dish is like summertime on a plate! Refreshing and full of seasonal flavors, it’s a light and easy addition to your lunch or brunch table!
THE METHOD
Heat the grill on medium heat. If using an outdoor grill, slice the peaches in half to prevent falling through the grates. If you use an indoor grill pan, you can slice the peaches into quarters.
Brush the open side of the washed peaches with olive oil and drizzle with honey. Rinse blackberries and gently pat them dry. Toss them in a little olive oil and honey. If you want to make flipping easier, consider threading them onto skewers. Use flat skewers to prevent the berries from rolling off. Grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until
they have grill marks and the open edge has caramelized. Place the blackberries directly on the grill grate as well. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have grill marks.
While the peaches and blackberries are grilling, assemble the salad, add a handful of Arugula to each of the four plates, a couple of peach slices, blackberries and dollops of Burrata. Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top and drizzle with olive oil and the reduced balsamic vinegar. Top it off with a little cracked black pepper.
TOOLS
DISSE
Lorie Anderson has worked closely with adults and kids on the autism spectrum for years. She served as a Behavior Tutor at the North Dakota Autumn Center, works part time as a Behavioral Specialist at Behavioral Health Associates, Ltd., and received a degree in early childhood education (and minor in special education) from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
At the time, Fargo-Moorhead area lacked a sensory-safe play space for kids on the spectrum. Lorie realized that her education and experience meant she was more than qualified to address the play space problem so she decided to be part of the solution.
Lorie signed on as the owner of We Rock the Spectrum, an engaging indoor space at 3051 25th Street South in Fargo almost two years ago. She is the mother of two daughters, so she knows how important it is for kids to have a play area where they feel safe, empowered, and supported. Lorie wants kids (and their parents) to know that We Rock the Spectrum is a place where neurodiverse children are truly seen and celebrated.
“I think every kid, no matter their ability, deserves somewhere safe to play where they feel accepted,” Lorie says. “This is a space for people who understand. Your kids can just be who they are. They don’t have to worry if they're getting loud, or if they're stimming, or if they can't communicate the same as other kids — they're welcome here. We want them here.”
Every element in the We Rock the Spectrum play area is designed to be both engaging and educational. The indoor play gym is specially designed to improve motor skills, balance, strength, and playground skills. Kids scramble up the play structure, chill in suspended swings, bounce on trampolines, soar along ziplines and leap onto crash mats. An arts and crafts station helps refine motor skills, hand eye coordination and provides an outlet for creative expression. Sensory toys improve auditory coordination and fine motor skills. The calming room is always open if kids need a quiet spot to process their feelings or decompress.
Children love to run and play and create at Rock the Spectrum. Parents and caregivers appreciate that the facility is designed to make kids comfortable and secure from the moment they arrive.
“Several of the kids whom I have worked with like to run, and it was hard to find a spot where they could burn off energy. And transitions were hard; you’d have to go up the stairs, down the stairs, through the long hallway,” explains Lorie. “Here, you can see the kids wherever they're at and all exit points are secure. There aren’t doors they can just run through and they're gone. It just feels more secure and safe.”
While the equipment and programming are designed for neurodiverse kids, anyone is welcome. That’s a real blessing for parents and caregivers who are looking for a space where siblings and friends can play together without barriers.
“It is for kids of all abilities, up to the age of 12,” she explains. “We just have equipment designed to help meet those needs so all kids can play together. Every kid can benefit from gross motor play, working on fine motor skills, those social skills. And neurodiverse friends of any age are welcome.”
Open play sessions are just $14 per child (siblings are $12 each) for a two-hour session. An all-day pass is a bargain at $20. Monthly memberships and financial assistance are available. No shoes are allowed, but socks are required.
The kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from the supportive, friendly atmosphere. Parents and caregivers find community and camaraderie at We Rock the Spectrum.
“What I hear often from parents who come in is they just feel isolated,” Lorie says. ” You’re running around to therapy appointments or you're just at home a lot if your kiddo can't handle community settings well. It’s harder to build friendships, to build that community, that support system. Many may not have family members who get it, or family members who are close by. Here you'll use to be able to find a friend, someone you can connect with.”
Lorie works with the We Rock the Spectrum community to create courses (like new Zumbini movement classes for kids and caregivers) and popular summer camps. Character events that feature visits from Bluey, Olaf from Frozen, and the occasional dinosaur are fan favorites and occur every few months.
This fall, look for additional camps during school vacations and the return of We Rock Care. Both programs offer a chance for kids to play independently of their caregivers in a safe and supportive environment.
“We Rock Care is our drop-off service,” Lorie explains. “We’ll have staff assigned to the child either in a one-to-four ratio or a one-to-one radio, depending on the child's needs. They can stay for up to three hours a day.”
We Rock the Spectrum is a busy place. There is a lot to balance. But Lorie says the benefits have been incredible.
“It has been really fun to see the progress of the kids, to see what’s going well and helping celebrate those small but big wins,” Lorie says. “Many kids had very limited communication skills or regulation when they first started coming. Now they come in here and they really know what they need. You can just see their bodies calming. You can see them being able to engage with friends. There are so many playing more with other kids. And it's that's the part that makes me the most emotional: seeing the growth in the kids and how proud the parents are.” [ aw ]
make it
tonight
squash nests spaghetti
HHere’s a twist on traditional spaghetti squash! These “nests” are easy to make and then fill with veggies, and/or meat and cheese. They’re pleasantly filling and rich with fresh flavors, perfect for summer dining.
1. Trim squash ends and cut the squash crosswise into four equal rounds. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place the rounds on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
2. Combine mushrooms, spinach. tomatoes, sausage, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Spread in an even layer around the squash.
3. Roast until the squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
4. With a fork, shred the squash in the center of the rings into long strands. Divide the mushrooms, tomatoes and sausage among the squash nests. Drizzle with vinegar and sprinkle with Parmesan and basil.
TOOLS
"In April 2022, I had been doing community organizing for several years and had learned a lot, but COVID changed the way I needed to do the work. I knew I was being called to do the work differently and create sustainable change,” says Karen Pifher, as she reflects on the whirlwind of the past three years. Spurred by a conversation with her mentor and several agencies, she was told to ‘go for it’ and she knew that then was the time to make a real difference in communities and that God would carry her through.
Pifher’s early days as a 16-year-old mom, in a difficult domestic violence situation, once homeless when she was 20 years old, and having had to live with her son at her parents' home all have played a role in the business she has built today. She's not only lived the struggles but survived them, including battles with mental health and poverty. A standout memory that fueled her fire to go back to school and want to truly change communities and the systems we have in place to help make people successful happened almost 20 years ago, when her son was one year old and she was walking through the grocery store in tears and couldn’t afford milk and butter, but could afford the .19 cent mac and cheese.
I knew that was the push I needed, it was a partnership where I could grow, and I quickly went from a subcontractor role and became a co-owner in January 2024.
Megan Jenson
"I remember standing in line at Human Services crying; my husband and I weren’t making enough on the dairy farm, my van broke down, and then I had someone tell me that they couldn’t do a thing for me at that agency,” recalls Pifher. “The sense of shame, being told that I had to work harder when I was already working at a dairy farm, as a CNA, and laying flooring part-time on weekends and nights was a catalyst for change, personally and professionally.”
Born out of a burst of confidence and those memories was Creating Community Consulting. And, fueled with several contracts right out of the gate, Karen quickly engaged with Megan Jenson one short month after opening her doors in May 2022. Pifher, knowing she wanted to do more impactful work, and having had a lot of ‘lived’ experience she could bring to the table, also knew that partnering with Megan in business would only strengthen that.
Shortly after the inception of Creating Community Consulting, Pifher had the opportunity to work with Megan’s boss and knew of her skills and the work that she was doing and had heard she was leaving the organization she was with. Meeting over a ramen noodle lunch, she fell in love with her (Megan) in their 'work relationship’ and asked her to "go on this wild ride with her."
For many years, Jenson was also told by others she should be a consultant; however, she didn’t know if she had the entrepreneurial drive and risk tolerance to leap. Balancing her time as a mother to a one-year-old, she was confident, however, that the partnership Pifher was offering her could make this possible. Jenson, well-known for successfully executing collaborative conversations across the non-profit communities in the FM area, along with her fierce passion for making organizational changes, allowed her to say yes to Pifher's offer to become a subcontractor and ultimately a co-owner of Creating Community Consulting.
"I knew that was the push I needed, it was a partnership where I could grow, and I quickly went from a sub-contractor role and became a co-owner in January 2024,” shared Jenson.
Karen felt the shift even before Megan was a co-owner, however, and in those first months began to lean into the inclusive decision-making that their work requires and felt a collaborative shift happen immediately. She was not only humbled by the knowledge and value Megan was bringing to CCC, but she wanted to honor that Megan was doing more than a subcontractor and didn't want to wait any longer to make their partnership legal.
They both acknowledge that they were immediately ‘engaged’ in CCC but really created the strong union that exists today when they recognized that they could co-lead this organization and knew that they both had 100% trust and confidence in the shared mission. "So much trust," they both chimed in at the same time.
Creating Community Consulting's mission is simple. Every day, their work is focused on creating stronger communities. Accomplishing this by working alongside communities, executing community health assessments, strategic planning, community health implementation plans, leveraging resources for change (by using existing resources or through grant funding), capacity building, and training and coaching.
Currently, about 75% of their work is laser-focused on working with counties in the public health arena, helping them develop amenities, systems, and resources to strengthen their communities, specifically at the intersection of their well-being.
“It's hard work when you are competing for attention in communities, knowing that they do care about this important topic, but there are so many other distractions and needs as well,” says Jenson. “Our strength and reputation in this transformative work in public health to improve impact and achieve outcomes speaks for itself, however.”
Since January 2025, their county-based work has just exploded, despite not having marketed it, and they believe it’s due to their proven successes in rural communities and referrals. This demand and their mission to help more communities have resulted in the creation of online tools that will do just that: help communities' well-being.
Launching Ignit-ify is their newest online training platform that will have tools to help communities and organizations to be successful is their top priority right now. It’s a custom community engagement and mapping tool that can garner fast results and can be implemented quickly. Knowing that every community is looking to be better and have a greater impact, especially coming out of COVID, was a driver in what led to creating this comprehensive online tool.
We love this work as well and we are good at making people uncomfortable to show them that change is possible.
Karen Pifher
Additional work they are proud of includes what they have been delivering through the Family Resource Center Model, and to date they have done work in 20 counties across greater MN. This model teaches communities to do things in a different way with youth. They count among some of their biggest accomplishments in their three short years since starting their business, the completion and expansion of Cornerstone, a family resource center located in Frazee, MN.
“We love this work as well and we are good at making people uncomfortable to show them that change is possible,” says Pifher.
Currently, this woman-owned company boasts that “every day we are happy in our marital business relationship.” Megan and Karen believe that the all-female staff, their strengths that complement each other, and the sheer fact that this is the most comfortable and authentic they both have ever felt in a workplace is what continues to fuel their desire to build a workplace culture where people can come as their ‘whole selves’ and feel natural and feel incredibly blessed to support each other thru our best and our worse, and celebrating their WINS together.
Most recently, they are excited, humbled, and proud to be selected as a MN Cup Finalist. It was their second time applying, and that proved to be their lucky charm.
And, although they both know that the road to success is a rocky one, they have figured out a few things - find yourself one heck of a good support system, or you won’t survive. Know your value and don’t give everything away are just a few of the important takeaways they both can agree on! “Know that everything is not going to work the way you expect it to, especially in heavy growth periods, acknowledges Karen. As they’ve continued to expand and hire Class A people, who have the skills and are driven, they are confident they can maintain the culture they’ve built. Simply put, they want to scale, be sustainable, and help more people and more communities prosper. [ aw ]
“Dramatic Birth Story (HELLP Syndrome)”
From living in the world of glamour, being a hair stylist and helping others look and feel their very best, to a day that she could never imagine, it’s hard to believe that the shift would become the most terrifying and transformative day, yet begin so quietly. It started like any other morning in Hathaway Kritzeck’s third trimester—slight discomfort, a bit of swelling, but nothing that set off major alarms.
Hathaway heard that the last few weeks of pregnancy could be rough. She thought she was just tired. She was wrong. She knew when she started to vomit that something was wrong, so she went to the emergency room, they tried to control her blood pressure for five days, and then it progressed to HELLP Syndrome
by Jill Krahn
(Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). This is a serious complication of high blood pressure during pregnancy and Hathaway was about to learn what HELLP Syndrome meant—not from a textbook, but firsthand.
This is the story of how a couple survived one of the most dangerous pregnancy complications, how a team of doctors raced against the clock, and how baby and mother came through it—forever changed.
When a couple decides that they are ready to start a family it is such an exciting part of their lives. This is the story of Logan and Hathaway Kritzeck, who were expecting their first child. So far, the pregnancy was going well. The parents were getting ready for their baby bo and life was exciting! As time went on, however, Hathaway began to feel something wasn’t right in late April, but she was due June 24th. She began experiencing abdominal pain and visual disturbances, and nausea, only to be rushed into the emergency room, where delivery via Csection at 31 weeks due to HELLP Syndrome was initiated. This syndrome is considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. Sometimes the presence of HELLP Syndrome is due to an underlying disease, such as Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. HELLP Syndrome occurs
in about one to two out of 1,000 pregnancies. Hathaway had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right and acting on this feeling saved her life and her baby’s.
HELLP is very rare. Fewer than 1% of all pregnant women experience HELLP Syndrome. It's most common during the third trimester, but it may also arise during labor and delivery. Although rare, Hathaway is not alone in having experienced HELLP Syndrome; celebrities Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Markle are just a few notable women who have also gone through this with pregnancy. What Hathaway, Logan, and their baby endured is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of pregnancy—and the immense strength and courage of mothers. Their story brings awareness to HELLP Syndrome and offers support to others who may be facing similar challenges. They are grateful for the
team in the NICU at Sanford in Fargo. They had emotional days watching their son struggle through the roller coaster ride of being a preemie. Many days they would go forward and then back to “ground zero” and felt like they had to start all over again. And, although a harrowing, unbelievable experience, it was an emotional ride that taught the Kritzeck family about strength and healing.
Transitioning from glitter to grit is the journey of trading the allure of superficial success for the deeper, harder work that truly builds resilience and character. Glitter represents the flashiness of instant gratification, the shine of recognition, and the external rewards that come easily. But grit—true grit—is about the quiet strength that emerges from perse-
verance through struggle, the determination to push forward when the sparkle fades. It’s the grit that allows you to endure challenges, embrace failure as a lesson, and rise with more wisdom and tenacity. Moving from glitter to grit requires a shift in mindset, from seeking external validation to building an unshakeable internal foundation, ready to
weather any storm. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where true growth happens. For
Alexandra and Thomas Frost of West Fargo vividly remember their second ultrasound appointment at the Essentia HealthThe Lights West Fargo Clinic.
“We were sitting there, and the ultrasound tech went over these three blobs,” said Alexandra. “She kept going back and forth over them before saying, ‘Well, you’re having triplets.’ ”
Stunned, Alexandra recalls laughing and Thomas exclaiming, “You’re having a gosh dang litter!”
Since her teens, Alexandra had been told she would struggle to have kids due to polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is a common type of hormone imbalance in women of reproductive age.
For the past three years, Alexandra and Thomas had been trying to get pregnant – without success.
“And then we got triplets,” the new mom laughed.
“When we have patients that have struggled with getting pregnant, and now they’re expecting, it’s just so rewarding,” explained Dr. Michaela Heller, an OB/GYN with Essentia Health who cared for the 26-year-old couple.
“It was a delight to see Alexandra and Thomas grow through their pregnancy,” she added. “They were so ecstatic about having three babies. That can be terrifying for some, but they took this challenge in stride and were just so happy to be parents.”
Although one of her babies was smaller and needed extra ultrasound monitoring, Alexandra encountered minimal issues throughout her pregnancy.
Delivering multiples, however, can complicate the delivery process and often presents additional risks. Alexandra was scheduled for a C-section on May 19 – exactly 34 weeks and 2 days – and the Frosts’ care team prepared for what they called “controlled chaos.”
Written by Caitlin Pallai
Photographs supplied by Essentia Health
“Considerable planning and coordination go into this kind of delivery,” said Dr. Heller. “Multiples mean more personnel. Each baby has a team of three, so with everyone accounted for, there are about 15 people in the delivery room.”
Dr. Rushabh Shah, a neonatologist at Essentia Health-Fargo, also met with Alexandra and Thomas early on in their pregnancy to discuss potential challenges, including the possibility of an earlier unscheduled delivery.
“The more premature babies are born, the more resources they’re likely to need,” explained Dr. Shah. “We need to be aware and ready, like with all deliveries, but especially with multiples. The primary goal is always safety.”
Alexandra had what’s known as trichorionic-triamniotic (tri-tri) triplets, meaning each baby had their own placenta and amniotic sac.
“While this slightly decreases the risk of complication as each baby has its own connection to mom and a little more space to grow, we still want to prevent complications from arising,” said Dr. Shah. “Generally, we don’t go to full term with multiples. The goal is to reach the point where we feel like they’ve matured mostly, and we can support them a little bit on the outside.”
Thankfully, contingency plans stayed just that, and the Frost triplets – Kenneth James, Elizabeth Eliana and Lance Arthur – entered the world as scheduled on May 19.
“The delivery process went off without a hitch for Alexandra,” said Dr. Heller, who delivered all three babies, her second set of triplets. “It was the best type of delivery we could ask for.”
As anticipated, the babies needed a little respiratory support after delivery.
“Premature lungs have a higher tendency of collapsing,” explained Dr. Shah.
Kenneth, Elizabeth and Lance were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Their primary goal was growth. The brothers were discharged on June 2. Their sister followed shortly after on June 7.
With all three babies now home, both Alexandra and Thomas emphasize the importance of having a good support system.
“It’s been tiring and a bit difficult, but we’ve got family and friends nearby,” said Thomas.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” added Alexandra. “It makes it a lot easier.”
Of their Essentia experience, the couple described it as “fantastic.”
“We honestly couldn’t imagine going anywhere else,” said Thomas. “The support from them was humongous; all the nurses and doctors were fantastic.”
To be a part of the birth process was also a highlight for both Drs. Heller and Shah.
“I love multiples,” said Dr. Heller. “I’m a twin, so I have a special place in my heart for them. Couples pray for one baby, and to be blessed with two or three is just amazing.”
“I’ve taken care of multiple twins, but this was my first set of triplets,” admitted Dr. Shah. “It was very rewarding to participate in the delivery, especially with this family.
“They’ve been through an incredible journey. To participate in even 1% of that was just extremely rewarding.”
Having a baby can be an exciting time, but when complications or other uncertainties arise, trust Essentia Health to provide expert care and unmatched support for you and your baby.
Essentia Health-Fargo was named a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News and World Report, the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
If you are interested in embarking on your maternity journey at Essentia Health-Fargo, please call (701) 364-8900 or visit EssentiaHealth.org and take a virtual tour of the birthing center and NICU today.
Dr. Rushabh Shah
Neonatologist at Essentia Health
Dr. Michaela Heller
OB/GYN at Essentia Health
At Fetchers, the dogs get to play hard—and the love runs deep.
Since they opened in August 2018, Fetchers Dog Daycare has grown from a bare patch of dirt to one of Fargo-Moorhead’s most beloved pet care facilities. General Manager Shannon Neisen has been there since the beginning—before the buildings, before the play yards, and before the happy chorus of barks and purrs that now fill the space on a given day.
“I met Jack and Ashley Lawicka, the owners, when this place was just a dirt lot,” said Shannon. “We started from there and built Fetchers to what it is today.”
Jack and Ashley Lawicka, the owners live in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Fetchers has a sister kennel out in the Alexandria, Battle Lake area called Prairie Peak Kennels. “We call it our little country kennel out there. It’s smaller scale. But they wanted to bring Fetchers to the Fargo Moorhead area.” Jack and Ashley are both NDSU grads. "They envisioned a space where dogs could thrive with room to roam, and Fetchers was born," said Shannon.
Built for Dogs Who Need to Move
Fetchers is focused on outdoor play when it comes to caring for your dog. “We have five outdoor large areas that we separate the dogs into based on their size and play style. So it's been a lot of fun that we're able to accommodate the high energy working breeds too. Some of those breeds just need extra space to run around and play,” said Shannon. They also have indoor play areas the dogs use when the weather is extremely cold, extreme heat, or even if it’s raining. “We tell our handlers to come dressed for the weather, because we're going to be out there with our dogs. Even in the winter months when there’s snow on the ground and our handlers will put on their snow pants and winter coats to go outside to play in the snow with the dogs.”
They envisioned a space where dogs could thrive with room to roam, and Fetchers was born.
- Shannon Niesen
Not Just Daycare— It’s a Whole Dog Campus
Fetchers offers various services from social daycare (which helps your dog socialize and burn off energy), daycare enrichment (Where dogs will build their minds with games, agility, and food puzzles.) “There's not really any other facility that's offering daycare enrichment. It’s like a structured daycare. Each day your dog is doing activities throughout the day which stimulates them physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Shannon. Fetchers will take them for walks, fetch sessions, scavenger hunts, confidence building exercises or work on some basic obedience. “And then we have our dog training department, and a full grooming department as well.”
Fetchers’ robust training program is led by two full-time trainers. They do anywhere from one hour sessions with dogs and their owners where they give the owners the tools to take home and train their dog. “We’re walking them through the steps on how to engage with their dogs at home. And then we also have dogs who are staying with us for anywhere from three to eight weeks. This gives every owner confidence when it comes to training their dogs. We’re walking through this with them.”
When it comes to training and the length of time your dog would have to stay it would be determined by the type of behaviors that are being targeted. They’ll take dogs with human aggression or dog aggression that they’ll try help rehabilitate back to a healthy non-aggressive state. But aggression is just one of the behavior issues they address in their training programs. “Ever since COVID, we’ve been seeing a lot of dogs who developed anxiety because they got so attached to their routine, their house, and their owners. So because of that, a repercussion is just a little bit more of that anxiety, separation anxiety, not getting exposed to as much of the outside world. So we get a lot of dogs who come in and we work through that anxiety. We train dogs to help them build back their confidence,” said Shannon.
A Cozy Home for Cats, Too
About two years ago, Fetchers expanded its building by 5,000 square feet—making room for a luxurious new cattery. With 14 spacious cat condos. There a birdfeeders outside the big sunny windows as well as comfy hammocks for cats to lounge—it’s a feline paradise.
Most of the cats who come to stay with them at Fetchers are typically the ones who have to stay with them longer, because their owners are traveling.
Shannon is one of two trained vet techs on their team. They are able to administer insulin injections or regular medications that your kitty might need while you’re gone.
Their attention to detail doesn’t stop at medical needs—it extends to making sure each cat feels relaxed, entertained, and right at home. “We let our cats individually roam around the cattery and they'll lounge up on the hammocks while watching the birds at the bird feeders outside the windows,” said Shannon. “We also give cats baths and give nail trims too.”
Something they’d love to offer in the future, is onboarding a cat behaviorist into their facility. “I think the closest behaviorist is more so in the Twin Cities,” said Shannon.
When cats are unhappy or if there’s something wrong, cats will show it through behavioral things like going outside of the litter box, bullying cat house mates, and more. “So we definitely see a need for a feline behaviorist,” said Shannon. “And that’s something we’re looking at expanding to add in the near future.”
Partnerships with Purpose
Fetchers works closely with regional rescues like Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue and For Love of Dog Rescue. They offer support, boarding, and even host events to help more animals find loving homes.
“We house one of For Love of Dog’s long-term fosters every weekend when her foster family travels,” Shannon says. “It’s our way of helping however we can.”
They’re family. And we’re here to meet them with care, honesty, and joy—exactly where they are.
- Shannon Neisen
At The End of the Day
Fetchers continues to grow and innovate. No matter how much the facility evolves and grows. One thing remains the same—it’s their heart for the animals.
From every service they offer like training to grooming and cat care shows how much they built around their central mission. Which is to give dogs their best lives with freedom and exercise while also building a strong relationship between the owner and their dog.
It’s not just about providing a place to stay; it’s about creating a second home where pets feel safe, loved, and understood.
That commitment is what keeps pet parents coming back—and what makes Fetchers feel like more than a kennel. It’s a community, built on trust, wagging tails, and purring contentment.
“At the end of the day, dogs and cats aren’t just pets anymore,” Shannon said. “They’re family. And we’re here to meet them with care, honesty, and joy—exactly where they are.” [ aw ]
fetchersfm.com
While many students wander through high school and college uncertain of their future, Katie Kern always had a clear vision. A native of Fertile, Minnesota, and now an accomplished interior designer based in West Fargo, Katie recalls, “For as far back as I can remember, I wanted to do design — and that has never changed.”
After graduating from Fertile-Beltrami High School in her hometown of 850, Katie set her sights on Fargo, where she earned her degree in interior design from NDSU. She then moved to Minneapolis to begin her career and worked for a furniture store, followed by a position at a highend design firm where she refined her skills over three years. Eventually, Katie returned to Fargo to join a residential builder, where she launched and led their design division, growing the team to four designers. For 13 years, she wore many hats — designing and managing — but found herself growing further from her creative roots so it was time for a change– a big one.
“I realized I was ready to go out on my own,” Katie says. “I had the experience, I had the drive, and I was craving a return to what I loved most — designing for clients.”
With encouragement from her entrepreneurial husband, aunt and uncle, and a pivotal piece of advice from a friend — “Hire someone who’s good at what you’re not, and don’t try to do it all yourself” — Katie launched Katie Kern Interior Design (KKID) in 2020, right during a global pandemic. Undeterred by uncertainty, Katie leaned into her existing relationships and hit the ground running.
Today, she leads KKID with a distinct focus: combining creative artistry with personalized client relationships. With her assistant managing the back-end operations, Katie is free to do what she does best — design spaces that exceed expectations.
“Clients come to me because they want something truly unique. They’re investing not just in their vision, but in my expertise and creativity,” Katie shares.
From high-end residential new builds to remodels, Katie’s portfolio is rich and varied. Though she primarily focuses on residential design, she’s also completed boutique commercial spaces — including the building she designed in West Fargo, which now houses her office. The single-story structure reflects a blend of bright whites, natural textures, warm antique elements, and abundant natural light.
Her talents also extended to her most personal project to date: a custom home she designed for her family in West Fargo. Sharing the space with her husband Matt, a heavy equipment dealer, and their daughters Charlie (14) and Elin (12), Katie describes the home as a true labor of love — both professionally and personally.
Like many entrepreneurs, Katie’s journey has been filled with highs, lows, and unexpected twists — from navigating supply chain delays during the pandemic to growing her business in a shifting marketplace. But her resilience, combined with artistic intuition, have helped her rise above the challenges.
Katie describes her design style as “organic” — a thoughtful balance of natural elements, modern lines, and timeless touches.
“I love creating spaces that feel warm, lived-in, and full of character. I often blend antique or oneof-a-kind pieces with clean, modern design. Even when working in ultra-contemporary spaces, I aim to make them feel inviting, not sterile.”
Katie’s design philosophy centers on listening deeply to her clients and co-creating spaces that reflect their lifestyles, goals, and personalities.
“Of course I have a personal style, but I don’t push that onto clients. I’m here to guide them — to take their ideas and elevate them, creating something functional, beautiful, and lasting.”
Despite being a busy entrepreneur, wife, and mom, Katie finds balance through purpose. “I don’t feel like I’m working. I love what I do, and I have the best support system. That makes all the difference.”
Giving back is another core value. KKID contributes to local nonprofits and community causes including Giving Hearts Day, Gigi’s Playhouse, Breast Friends of Fargo-Moorhead, Landon’s Light, Red River Dance, United Way, The Great North Pole and BIO Girls — where Katie even helped design the organization’s new location.
Katie’s story, from her small-town roots in Fertile to leading a thriving design firm, is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and vision. It began in her high school art class, where a teacher planted the seed by explaining that interior design was more than arranging furniture — it required a deep understanding of history, style, and architectural principles.
Katie has taken that foundation and built a career grounded in expertise, client trust, and a deep love for the transformative power of design. Her work affects the lifestyles of her clients, their families, and their overall daily activities and this is where she knows she can offer something beyond the ordinary. [ aw ]
Contact: Katie Kern
Interior Designer
Katie Kern Interior Design
3301 Oak Ridge Pond Way E West Fargo, ND 58078
Cell: 612-432-8578
kkerninteriordesign.com
Email: katiek@katiekerninteriordesign.com
Puzzles and games run in Kay Cameron’s family. She co-owns two popular escape room complexes, Puzzled Escape Rooms and Fargo Escape Room, with her husband, Steven Cameron. Their daughter, Amanda Leabo, helps them create the puzzles that make each escape room experience unique.
For the uninitiated, an escape room is a space that requires participants to solve a series of puzzles in a certain amount of time to win. (Don’t worry, contrary to popular perception, the doors at Puzzled Escape Rooms and Fargo Escape Room are never locked.) Each room has a theme finding a pirate’s treasure or removing a Pharaoh’s curse, for example. The décor, props and clues all support that theme.
"We come up with something we think would be fun to play."
Kay Cameron
The series of puzzles and games that teams need to solve vary. In one room, participants might decode ciphers, untangle logic problems or solve riddles. In the next, they may be asked to recognize patterns in lights, colors or numbers, try different keys or lock combinations and search the space for hidden objects.
Every room that Kay, Steven, and Amanda create begins with a theme. They develop the puzzles later.
“We come up with something we think would be fun to play,” Kay explains. “Once we have our theme, we each think on our own what we want to do. Then we set up a meeting. The real work happens when we're all together, talking and sharing ideas.”
Talking and sharing ideas is how the family got into the escape room business in the first place. Kay and Steven’s friends tried an escape room in Florida around the same time that the couple learned that their home was once owned by Emma and Bill Magnuson, one of Moorhead’s most colorful husband and wife duos. Emma and
Bill were high society types with a wild streak; the couple ran a bootlegging business and operated several secret drinking establishments when alcohol was illegal in the state.
“He was notorious for having secret compartments in his businesses,” Kay explains. “We have an area that's boarded up where you could pass crates of whiskey from our basement into our garage. So my husband and I thought we should do an escape room in our house. It was just kind of a joke. And then it became a reality.”
The couple rented space in the Black Building downtown and founded Puzzled Escape Rooms in 2016. It opened on April 1.
"If it didn't work, we could just say it was an April Fool's joke."
Kay Cameron
“I said we had to open on that date,” Kay laughs. “If it didn't work, we could just say it was an April Fool's joke.”
The business thrived, relocating a few times before landing in its current home at 3301 University Drive South in South Fargo, near The Cork 'n Cleaver. The family operates eight different escape rooms on the premises, including their most popular offering, M for Murder. There’s also a Bootlegger themed room which, given the business’ origin story, seems awfully appropriate.
Kay and Steven Cameron expanded their escape room empire in September 2020, when they purchased Fargo Escape Room. It offers four different escape rooms (including adventures in a candy shop and a haunted mansion) at 2220 Main Avenue East in West Fargo.
Unlike some escape rooms, folks at both locations only play with members of their group; participants are never paired with strangers. The clientele is diverse.
“I see all sorts of ages, from teenagers to people in their fifties and sixties,” says Kay. “I love that we have so many friend groups that come and play. I think my favorite groups are when we have three generations in the room, because they all bring such a different perspective to solving things.”
Those different perspectives help people succeed in an escape room. Kay says that the strongest teams include people with three specific skill sets: searchers (who spot patterns, inconsistencies and hidden clues), solvers (who brainstorm and blurt out solutions) and closers (who test the solvers’ theories through trial and error). Cooperation between the groups is vital.
“Searchers are so important because they are the ones who find the oddest things. They point people in the right direction,” she explains. “Solvers solve things really well, but they just don't see the oddities in the room, so they actually need that person to point things out.”
Closers are hands-on and practical, eliminating possibilities as they go. They check to see if the solutions that the solvers come up with actually work.
“You need that person who will take that code, actually go over to the lock and try it,” she continues. “You need those three different things going on in the room or you don't move forward.”
Businesses often book escape room sessions as team building exercises. But Kay says everybody in an escape room ends up building their skills without even realizing it. That’s because the novelty of the game and the collaborative process has a way of rewiring communication and reshuffling roles. The old power dynamics crumble in an escape room.
"Everybody in an escape room ends up building their skills without even realizing it." Kay Cameron
“The key to success is knowing when to listen and when to lead,” Kay explains. “These rooms are created with three different people's logic, so one person usually cannot just bulldoze through a room. The strong people need to step back, to listen to the other people. And those people that aren't used to stepping up may have to take the lead. They’re working on their communication, problem solving and sometimes their confidence to even try what they think.”
Checking – and sometimes respectfully challenging – everyone’s answers is key. Incorrect guesses often lead to victory.
“Sometimes, it's actually the wrong information that gets the puzzle solved, because it triggers somebody else to get it. It will turn the light bulb on,” Kay says. “It actually takes a combination of people that are smart and people who are clever, because they see different things.”
Smart and clever, cooperative and creative: these words describe the people who play the games at Puzzled Escape Rooms and Fargo Escape Room, as well as the family of puzzle masters that create them. It’s been almost a decade since Kay and Steven Cameron and Amanda Leabo’s escape room adventure began. But they’re just getting started. [ aw ]
SOAP COMPANY 833 Washington Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 218.849.5008
natures-embrace-soap-company.myshopify.com
KALEIDOSOAP
$8.95/5.25 oz. bar
At Nature’s Embrace Soap Company, scrap happens! But it also happens to be an opportunity to further exercise the business’ commitment to sustainability. This soap is a mix of scraps that results in a fresh, clean option that is a repurposed, ZERO WASTE creation! (Combination of most bars made by Nature’s Embrace!)
DIRTY MINT SOAP
$8.95/4.9 oz. bar
This handcrafted soap is a delicious essential oil combination of the mints, with a dash of patchouli to “dirty” it a little! (Essential oil combination: Patchouli, peppermint, spearmint).
REFILLERY
Nature's Embrace offers all natural bath, body, and home products in a refillery style setting, encouraging less waste and cleaner living. Their products are low-impact and good for the environment while also being safe for our bodies.
THE ELAN FLARE SLEEVE SWEATER CARDIGAN
is a simple, yet striking, option that can be worn year-round. Cozy up in this textured knit and button-front closure cardigan for easy style. It features a fitted silhouette and slightly billowed, flared sleeves that add a fun twist to your look. $80.95. Available in sizes XS-XL in off white.
VERVET BLACK MID RISE SUPER SOFT CROP FLARE PANTS
are an essential fall/winter item. Created from a combination of cotton, polyester, Modal, and spandex, these jeans feature a flared leg opening and shorter ankle length for an edgy, playful look that is perfect for transitioning between seasons. Zip fly closure, raw step hem, stretchy fabrication. Available in black and in sizes 24-34. $66.95.
THE PINCH POLKA DOT MINI DRESS is perfect for events throughout the year. Full of playful charm, it features a retro-inspired polka dot pattern and a ruched, gathered bodice. It can be dressed up or down, has thin/ adjustable straps, and includes a side zip closure. The dress is 100% cotton and lining is 100% polyester. Sizes S-L and available in black and brown. $78.95.
LEELA & LAVENDER
multiple locations, including Fargo, West Fargo, Detroit Lakes, Bismarck, Maple Grove, Sioux Falls, and coming soon: Omaha. Leelaandlavender.com
CORDUROY
MINI SKIRT IN CAMEL
Step into early fall in a fun skirt crafted from trending fabric. Its mini length and faux pocket accents add a unique twist and the skirt is ideal for transitioning your wardrobe. Side zip closure, faux front pockets, lined. Available in camel or ecru and in sizes S-L. $52.95.
THE CORDUROY BUTTON UP JACKET
is a cozy, charming “shacket.” It is a lightweight layer, perfect for layering up or down and has a relaxed, oversized fit. Available in ivory, sizes S-L. $49.95.
by Devin Joubert
photos by Justin Eiler family photos provided by Dr. Gefroh
After more than two decades of serving patients as an OBGYN, Dr. Stefanie Gefroh now finds herself guiding entire teams of providers with the same care and dedication she once offered in the exam room. Her journey has taken her from early morning surgeries and patient visits to high-level strategy meetings as the West Market President at Essentia Health. But at the heart of it all is her desire to serve, to connect, and lead with intention. That desire deepened as life shifted at home, reshaping not only her priorities—but also her perspective on leadership.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing the world through your children’s eyes,” Dr. Gefroh said, reflecting on the shift that led her from delivering babies to leading one of the region’s top medical teams. “Being a parent changed everything—including how I wanted to lead.”
That realization prompted her to rethink what kind of impact she wanted to have—both at home and in her profession. She wanted to be present for her twins as they grew up so she wouldn’t miss the everyday moments that mattered most and at the same time, she still felt called to make a meaningful difference in healthcare. Leadership offered a path that allowed for more flexibility in her schedule while also expanding the ways she could support patients, colleagues, and her community.
A Career Rooted in Community & The Moment She Knew
“I've been with Essentia for what will be 21 years in August. So this was my first job that I took right out of residency. I'm an OB-GYN physician. I've never looked back or thought twice about my decision,” said Dr. Gefroh. Her job has evolved over the years, since she took on a leadership role. “About 10 years ago I started spending some of my time in leadership and over the course of the last decade, I took on a progressive responsibility in leadership roles.”
When she was asked about the moment she knew she wanted to work in this field she said it was in her first rotation as a third-year medical student. There’d been a moment where she saw a mentor she admired. “I saw her entire life. So I saw not just the way she interacted with patients and the relationship she had with them, but also how she fit medicine in with her family. She had a big family. She had kids and was married. I remember thinking at that time how she seemed so balanced, whether or not she actually felt that way on a day-to-day basis. But that's what I saw,” said Dr. Gefroh. Her mentor had been a good mom and wife and was a skilled surgeon. “She was really respected and that’s what I wanted too.”
“Being a parent changed includingeverything— how I wanted to lead.”
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh
“I wanted to work somewhere I was really proud of.”
Local Roots
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh was born and raised in North Dakota. “I went to college at Minnesota State University Moorhead and then went to the University of North Dakota for medical school,” said Dr. Gefroh. After that, she went out to Detroit, Michigan where she completed her OB-GYN training after four years.
She shared that her parents had instilled a love for loyalty and hard work in her. “My dad was a really good example. He isn’t with us anymore, but I mean, he was always doing something new and just doing phenomenally well at it,” said Dr. Gefroh. Her philosophy is that she always wants to be the kind of leader who brings people along. “Because, there's nothing worse than looking behind you to find nobody's following you.” Rooted
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh
in those values she grew up with, she continues to lead with humility, heart, and a deep respect for the people around her. Whether in medicine or leadership, her goal remains the same: to serve with purpose and bring others with her on the journey.
Day in the Life
Even though she’s stepped into leadership she’s still seeing patients a few afternoons, over the course of a month. “It’s definitely not as much, clinically, as when I first started, but it’s enough time to still be able to see the patients that established care with me as well as some new patients too. The leaders at Essentia in the clinical space
are expected to keep that clinical acumen. So I really appreciate that, that leaders at all levels in our organization still have a clinical,” said Dr. Gefroh.
She also occasionally does some planned C-sections. “In the clinic, I see all ages of women, from adolescents who are wanting guidance about their cycles, women who are having other issues going on, and also physicals,” said Dr. Gefroh. One of the things she loves about OB-GYN is how it’s pretty fast-paced and offers a lot of variety. She never does the same thing every day.
When it comes to leadership, she mentioned how she’d always been motivated by being a part of a really great team. “I wanted to work somewhere
“Being a parent has been much more difficult than any clinical or leadership situation I've ever been a part of, but I would say it's much more rewarding.”
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh
I was really proud of. When someone I know comes to seek healthcare, I wanted to be really proud of the team and the care they’d receive. That was the other motivation. I had family that lived out of state and thought, gosh, you know, if something ever happened when they came to visit, I wanted to be like ‘Hey, I've got a really great team of people. Whatever the issue is, I will take care of you.’ I always think about that and how we can best serve our community.”
Balancing Motherhood & Medicine
“My husband and I got together later in life. We just had a lot of fun together. We liked going to major league baseball games and traveling lots. Then one day, I was like, I think maybe it's time to start a family. It wasn't easy for us, but I feel very blessed that we ended up with our twins, so I have a little boy and a little girl and they are amazing. I always thought I was busy before they
came. Now, I just have to smile because they've just brought a fullness to my life that has been extraordinary. Being a parent has been much more difficult than any clinical or leadership situation I've ever been a part of, but I would say it's much more rewarding,” said Dr. Gefroh.
When they were born, she wasn’t sure she could continue being the OB-GYN she’d been and also be the mom she wanted to be. So she had to make some difficult decisions about what she was going to do to make sure she had fulfillment in her career, as well as what she needed to be for her kids.
Work Life Balance
As she continues to see patients in clinic, Dr. Gefroh noticed a refreshing shift in the new generation entering the workforce—one that’s more aware of personal boundaries and wellbeing. Their mindset around balance has challenged and inspired her to reflect on how work and life can better coexist in healthcare.
That growing awareness has made her more intentional about prioritizing joy and restoration in her own life. She’s learned that showing up as a strong leader also means making space to re-
charge outside of work. “I have a special place in my heart for traveling. Just that experience of seeing through a different lens and another culture. You know, experiencing different foods and all of those things. I love getting on an airplane and just going and in a certain amount of time you’re somewhere else—it’s like magic,” said Dr. Gefroh. She has a love for shopping and reading. “We also have a lake place in the Detroit Lakes area. So we do go there a lot in the summer.” She enjoys disconnecting and spending time outside with her family in the sun and at the lake. And during the winter, they have a lot of family nights. “You know, movie nights, snuggling, and popcorn. All that good stuff. At least my kids right now are at the age where they still like to snuggle.”
Women & Bravery
One of Dr. Gefroh’s guiding truths is that doing what is right is rarely easy. “But the outcomes— when you stay the course—are always worth it,” she said. That belief in doing what’s right extends into her care for patients—especially when it comes to helping women trust their instincts and speak up. She mentioned, “I think as women, we have incredible intuition about our bodies and when something doesn’t seem right. I love it when women are empowered to put themselves first. We have a tendency to downplay things and put ourselves last or think, maybe, I'll address it if it gets really bad.”
“I love it when women are empowered to put themselves first.”
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh
The thing she’s most passionate about is creating that safe space, where the patient has a voice and can feel comfortable and say things like, ‘I haven't wanted to talk about this…’. “Think about that moment of bravery, like all of that leading up to the appointment or even that question lingering at the back of the patient’s mind, like ‘Should I cancel the appointment?’ Let's put it all out there and not give the fear power. Once you do, it doesn't have power anymore, even though it might be a little scary at first,” Dr. Gefroh said. “I'm so grateful when someone feels brave enough to come forward and talk about whatever's on their mind. Whatever the issue is," she said, “I want people to know: we will take care of you."
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh’s journey—from delivering new life to shaping the future of healthcare—has always been rooted in compassion, conviction, and courage. Whether she’s guiding a team, mentoring young providers, or holding space for a patient’s first brave word, her mission remains clear: to lead with empathy, to serve with excellence, and to always, always listen. As a parent, that mission only deepened—shaping not just the future of medicine, but the kind of world she wants her children to grow up in. [ aw ]
Essentia Health aims to foster belonging and inclusivity and strives to be the top choice for work and care. Learn more about working at Essentia and current openings at essentiacareers.org.
“Whatever the issue is, I want people to know: we will take care of you.”
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh
AUG 23 / SEP 20
FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW
Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo.
TIME: 11:00 am.-3:00 pm.
LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center Building, 1405 3rd St N, Fargo
SEP 4
YWCA CHOCOLATE FOR CHANGE
YWCA Chocolate for Change is back again and sweeter than ever! Join us September 4 or order desserts to go and support the mission of YWCA Cass Clay. Stop by for lunch at the Delta by Marriott between 11:00am-2:00pm to enjoy delicious desserts, chili, and so much more. Can’t attend for lunch? Pre-order desserts for pick up and shop the online silent auction at ywcacassclay.org/chocolate. Tickets and to-go desserts on sale July 18.
Auction opens August 29., YOU support women and children served by YWCA Cass Clay.
TIME: 11:00 am.-2:00 pm.
LOCATION: Delta by Marriott, 1635 42nd St SW, Fargo
WEBSITE: www.ywcacassclay.org/events/chocolate
SEP 21
F/M AREA OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK
Just imagine if we could walk together toward a world without suicide. Since 2002, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walks have brought friends, neighbors, family members and colleagues together to walk through their communities to raise public awareness and funds to support suicide prevention, including education programs in local schools and workplaces; support for those who’ve lost loved ones; advocacy for critical mental health and suicide prevention legislation; and scientific research that helps us learn more how we can save more lives. Register: afsp.org/Fargo. The Out of the Darkness walks help raise much needed funds for suicide prevention. Proceeds go directly to AFSP’s lifesaving research, education, advocacy and survivor support programming. The F/M Area Walk is also an opportunity to be there for one another, including ourselves, when someone is struggling. By participating, you are stepping into a growing movement of people, sending the message that suicide can be prevented and that together, we can do more to save lives and support everyone’s mental health.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 701.476.5980
August 21
ANIME NIGHT FOR TEENS 6 p.m.
Main Library – Fargo Public Library 101 4th St. N., Fargo, ND 701.298.6960
August 26
FAMILY READING RUMPUS 6 p.m.
Main Library – Fargo Public Library 101 4th St. N., Fargo, ND 701.241.1495
September 6
THIRTEEN STRINGS FROM SCANDINAVIA: ANDREA HOAG AND LORETTA KELLEY 2 p.m.
Main Library - Fargo Public Library 101 4th St. N. Lori at 701.476.5977
September 27
ROSEMALING
WORKSHOP 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND Lori at 701.476.5977 or lwest@fargolibrary.org
September 29
ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY AUTHOR VISIT WITH LARS MYTTING 7 p.m.
Concordia College - Knutson Center Centrum 624 9th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN Lori West at lwest@fargolibrary. org or 701.476.5977
Fargo Public Library events are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming events is available at all Fargo Public Library locations and on our website at : fargolibrary.org
For Sarah Herlihy Andersen, insurance isn’t just a job—it’s a calling grounded in connection, community, and love for the people in the FM community. She was born and raised in Moorhead and never imagined she’d be running her own insurance agency one day.
After five years in the industry, which includes working as a sales rep for American Family for four years, she had the opportunity to have her own agency. “We're contracted with Nodak Insurance. I opened the doors in November. And then, with being blessed with great clients and being able to network in the area I was able to grow my agency. Now I’ve opened my own location over in Fargo. And I’ve even hired a couple sales associates as well under myself,” Sarah said.
Building a Business on Trust
When asked about a day in the life of Sarah Herlihy Andersen, she mentioned how she starts at the office around 7:30 a.m. and goes till 3:00 PM.
“When I get to the office, I make sure I'm available for walk-in clients, answering the phone, working through my email, trying to meet all my clients needs, I do computer processing and respond to emails or calls,” said Sarah. She prioritizes reviewing her current clients’ insurance before they renew. “That's something that I think is super important. Just so we're not missing anything. Things change every year. So I always double check the discounts and make sure it's the best option for my client at that time.”
While her days are busy, she’s also passionate about marketing and visibility—whether it’s being present on social media, sponsoring local events, or simply showing up for the community. That dedication doesn’t end when she walks out of the office. “My clients know they have full access to me during my regular office hours from 7:30 to 3:00,” she said. “But they also know I might be emailing them later while I’m cooking dinner or getting things wrapped up at the end of the day.” It’s a balance she’s proud of—juggling business ownership, motherhood, and client care in a way that feels personal and real. “They tend to be very respectful of me being a woman and a mom owning my own business,” said Sarah.
Giving Back With Purpose
You’ll often find Sarah volunteering on Friday afternoons at the YWCA children’s program or lending a hand at the Great Plains Food Bank and the Emergency Food Pantry, especially around the holidays. She’s also on the walk committee board for the Alzheimer’s Association, helping plan events and recruit teams.
“I don’t just want to sit in a cute corner office and say I’m an insurance agent,” she says with a laugh. “I want my business plan to include being involved in the community outside my insurance bubble.”
Her passion for people and local connection is clear. Whether she’s hosting a booth at a small business event or catching up with fellow entrepreneurs in networking groups, Sarah is as much a neighbor as she is an agent.
From Police Academy to Parenthood
Sarah’s journey to insurance wasn’t straightforward. She originally pursued a criminal justice degree and even went through training at the Fargo Police Academy in 2021.
“I wanted to become a police officer—that was my plan,” she shares. “But when that didn’t pan out, I stuck with insurance while figuring out what came next. Then, I met my husband, and we had our first son. It grounded me. I ended up finishing my criminal justice degree. I never stopped exploring or looking at possibly going back into criminal justice. That really was the passion and how I wanted to help people.”
One of her former training officers from the Fargo Police Department reminded her that she could still help people on the insurance side. “But what really grounded me was when our two-year-old was born in 2023 in the spring. Just realizing that I had the luxury to not miss anything in his life because I could leave and give clients a heads up, obviously still doing my work.
So there are some evenings that I'll work and do stuff, but I can be there for my son and I can raise him. And now we actually have another boy due in two and a half weeks.”
The Heart Behind the Hustle
For Sarah, life isn’t all about insurance, spreadsheets, and having an interest in criminal justice. Behind the scenes, she’s a woman of many talents—especially when it comes to music.
“Before all of this, I was actually a piano performance major at Concordia,” she shares. “I taught lessons, played at weddings, accompanied
choirs... music was such a big part of my life. If I try to play now, my two-year old gets mad because he wants to do it,” Sarah laughed.
Though she doesn’t play as often these days, the discipline and creativity that music once taught her still echo in how she leads her life—with intention, love, and warmth.
Between her growing family and business, Sarah remains deeply rooted in her values. Her favorite Bible verse—1 John 4:18–19—reminds her why she shows up each day: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.”
A Legacy of Integrity
When it comes to creating a legacy, Sarah wants to leave her clients with a strong, detailed history—something that transitions smoothly if she ever retires. “And for my family, I want to be an example of living for others, for God, and for love,” Sarah said. “At the end of the day,” she says, “I’m here to serve. That’s what drives me—even on the hard days.”
It’s a mindset that carries over into every part of her life—including how she and her husband juggle parenting and work with intention and teamwork. My husband works from three to 11 and my office hours cut off at three. He works nights and is home with our kids during the day and then we switch halfway through–we don't have to do daycare so it saves us money and we get to see more of our kids growing up,” said Sarah. “So it's really busy and my husband and I don't see each other as often as we probably need to, but there'll be one day when the kids aren't even around and all we're going to have to do is stare at each other.”
Balancing motherhood, her marriage, her business, and the community isn’t always easy—but Sarah embraces the beautiful mess of it all with grace and grit. She knows every season brings its own challenges, but also its own joys. And through it all, she keeps showing up—with purpose, with heart, and with the kind of steady dedication that makes a lasting difference in people's lives. [ aw ]
